136 LECTUKE X. 



on all the works of creation by a Being, infinite 

 in power, wisdom, and goodness ! Indeed, he 

 must be wilfully blind who does not observe 

 Divine interposition, not only in human affairs, 

 but in everything connected with the animal 

 and vegetable creation. With respect to the 

 vegetable creation I may tell you, that if pota- 

 toes are put in a cellar and the least ray of light 

 admitted, the shoots of that vegetable will move 

 in a direct line to that light. Again : if the root 

 of a plant be uncovered, without exposing it to 

 too much heat, and a wet sponge is placed near 

 it, but in the opposite direction from that in 

 which the root is proceeding, you will see the 

 root turn towards the sponge as if wanting to 

 imbibe its moisture. 



Lastly, place an upright pole near an unsup- 

 ported vine which is growing in an opposite 

 direction to the pole, it will quickly alter its 

 course, and stop not until it has fixed itself to 

 the pole. These facts may excite our astonish- 

 ment, but they should, at the same time, pro- 

 duce in us feelings of gratitude, and, I may 

 add, of confidence towards that benign Being 

 who supports us as well as the humble vine, 

 and showers down His blessings upon us. 



